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Waste becomes a raw material: A newly developed catalyst system transforms the climate gas CO₂ together with green hydrogen into valuable starting materials for plastics, fragrances, and other products. Researchers from LIKAT, Ruhr University Bochum, and Evonik Oxeno are thus demonstrating how sustainable chemistry can become a reality on an industrial scale—a milestone on the road to climate-friendly production.
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT), Ruhr University Bochum, and Evonik Oxeno have developed a novel catalyst system that allows the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) to be used as a raw material for the chemical industry. This makes it possible to manufacture important products such as fragrances or building blocks for plastics in a much more environmentally friendly way.
“The direct use of CO₂ as a raw material is a milestone for sustainable chemistry on an industrial scale,” says Prof. Dr. Robert Franke, project manager at Evonik Oxeno. “Our collaboration with LIKAT and Ruhr University Bochum shows how excellent basic research and industrial expertise can lead to innovative solutions for the transformation of chemistry.”
Carbonylation is a key process in the chemical industry. It involves converting olefins—a group of hydrocarbons—with carbon monoxide to form esters or acids. These substances are important components of many everyday products. This process produces both basic chemicals, such as methyl methacrylate, the starting material for acrylic glass, and specialty chemicals, such as the fragrance valeric acid methyl ester.
The use of the new bimetallic catalyst system makes it possible to replace toxic carbon monoxide with the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. In the presence of the transition metals iridium and palladium, as well as an industrially proven phosphine ligand, olefins are converted directly into esters. The catalyst system exhibits a very high selectivity for linear products, which are in high demand in industry.
"The development of this catalyst system is an example of how we can contribute to the decarbonization of the chemical industry through targeted research. Here, CO₂ is not considered waste, but a valuable raw material," says Dr. Ralf Jackstell, topic group leader at LIKAT.
This opens up a new perspective for producing industrially important products directly from the greenhouse gas CO₂ and green hydrogen in a resource-efficient manner. The results were published in the renowned Journal of the American Chemical Society: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c09325
The Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT Rostock).
The Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) in Rostock is one of the largest publicly funded research institutes for applied catalysis. Around 300 employees develop innovative catalysts and sustainable processes for chemistry, energy, and the environment. As a member of the Leibniz Association, LIKAT conducts research with social relevance and covers the entire process from basic research to transfer into industrial applications. In this way, it contributes to conserving resources and accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
Evonik: Leading beyond chemistry
Evonik goes beyond the boundaries of chemistry with its combination of innovative strength and leading technological expertise. The Essen-based chemical company, which is active in more than 100 countries, generated sales of €15.2 billion and earnings (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.1 billion in 2024. The common drive of its approximately 32,000 employees: to give customers a decisive competitive advantage with tailor-made products and solutions as a superpower for industry—and thereby improve people's lives. In all markets. Every day.
About Evonik Oxeno
Evonik Oxeno, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evonik, is a leading company in C4 chemistry with 50 years of experience, operating two world-scale C4 production facilities in Marl and Antwerp. The flexibility of its integrated network allows Oxeno to quickly and efficiently respond to changing conditions in supply and demand, optimizing the complexity of value chains also for its suppliers and customers. Oxeno is recognized for its focus on innovation and sustainability, maintaining an impressive portfolio of approximately 2,500 patents and patent applications. Its C4 strategy is based on a solid foundation and defined measures for growth and transformation. The company’s vision, “Chemistry4Future® – We increase the value of C4 chemicals sustainably,” outlines its long-term goal and provides a clear idea of where it aims to see its business in the future.
Dr. Ralf Jackstell
Group Leader „Applied Carbonylations“
Ralf.jackstell@catalysis.de
0381 1281 128
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 36, 32873–32882
Highly Selective Carbonylation of Olefins Using CO2 and H2
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c09325
Dr. Ralf Jackstell, group leader "Applied Carbonylations) at LIKAT
Copyright: LIKAT/ D. Gohlke
A Scientist fills autoclaves in the laboratory.
Copyright: Evonik
Prof. Dr. Robert Franke, Head of Oxo Research at Evonik and Adjunct Professor at Ruhr University Bochum
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Dr. Ralf Jackstell, group leader "Applied Carbonylations) at LIKAT
Copyright: LIKAT/ D. Gohlke
A Scientist fills autoclaves in the laboratory.
Copyright: Evonik
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